64 EXCURSIONS ROUND LONDON. 



enjoyments which are equally within the 

 reach of all mankind. 



Among these we may class the contem- 

 plation of rural scenery. The peasant in 

 his humble cottaq-e is as well situated as 



O 



the prince 'in his lofty palace, to enjoy the 

 sublime spectacle of the rising and the set- 

 ting sun. The shepherd, from the moun- 

 tainous heights where lie tends his flock, bc- 

 .holds a scene more brilliant on the approach 

 of day, than the splendid tints of the 

 richest canopy ; and the setting sun, reflect- 

 ed from the magnificent windows of a royal 

 residence, displays not greater beauty, than 

 when gilding the modest lattice of the lowly 

 hind. 



To enjoy fhe wonders of Nature, and the 

 blessings which she lavishes upon us; to 

 elevate our minds from the contemplation of 

 the universe to that of its sublime Author; 

 to feel the dignity of man, and to 

 merit the distinguished rank which we hold 

 ,in the scale of animated beings; such are 



43 * 



the 



